Down Syndrome Benefits in Ohio: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need to have worked and earned enough Social Security credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple.
• Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low enough, and the child’s condition meets medical criteria.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets the rules for both programs, and eligibility is based on medical evidence and financial need.

Source: SSA.gov - How to Qualify for Disability Benefits (2025)

• Ohio does not provide any state cash supplement to SSI recipients. This means Ohioans receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple in 2025.
• Ohio focuses on other forms of support, such as Medicaid, food assistance (SNAP), housing help, and services for people with developmental disabilities.
• County Boards of Developmental Disabilities provide assessment, service planning, and coordination for adults and children with Down Syndrome. These boards can help with home and community-based services waivers, which allow access to personalized supports while living in the community.
• Ohio’s Medicaid program covers a wide range of health services for people with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome.
• Legal advocacy and oversight for representative payees are available through Disability Rights Ohio.

Source: Disability Resources Ohio - Ohio Disability Benefits (2025), Ohio Benefits - Assistance Programs (2025), Disability Rights Ohio - Programs (2025)

• Start by checking your eligibility for SSI or SSDI using the SSA’s online tools.
• Gather medical records and proof of income and resources.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• For children, apply for SSI through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office.
• Contact your County Board of Developmental Disabilities for services and waiver programs.
• For legal help or payee oversight, contact Disability Rights Ohio.

Source: SSA.gov - Apply for Benefits (2025), Ohio Benefits - Assistance Programs (2025)

• Step 1: Check Eligibility

  • Review the SSA’s eligibility rules for SSI and SSDI. For children, check if your family’s income and resources meet SSI limits.
  • Use the SSA’s online eligibility checker or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

• Step 2: Gather Documents

  • Collect medical records, proof of income, proof of resources, and identification.
  • For children, include birth certificates and proof of family income.

• Step 3: Apply

  • Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • For children, apply for SSI through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office.

• Step 4: Apply for State Services

  • Contact your County Board of Developmental Disabilities for assessment and service planning.
  • Ask about home and community-based services waivers for personalized supports.

• Step 5: Apply for Other Assistance

  • Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and housing programs through Ohio Benefits.
  • For legal help or payee oversight, contact Disability Rights Ohio.

• Step 6: Follow Up

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities work while keeping some benefits.

Source: SSA.gov - Disability Benefits (2025), Medicaid.gov - What Medicaid Covers (2025)

• County Boards of Developmental Disabilities: Provide assessment, service planning, and coordination for adults and children with Down Syndrome. These boards can help with home and community-based services waivers, which allow access to personalized supports while living in the community.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Waivers allow people with developmental disabilities to receive services in their homes or communities instead of institutions.
• Ohio Housing Finance Agency: Programs for affordable housing.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Help with utility bills.
• Disability Rights Ohio: Legal advocacy and oversight for representative payees.
• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Community-based Work Incentives expertise for beneficiaries of Social Security or SSI.

Source: Ohio Benefits - Assistance Programs (2025), Disability Resources Ohio - Ohio Disability Benefits (2025), (2025)

• Ohio offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
• To open an ABLE account, visit the Ohio ABLE website or call 1-800-622-5223.

Source: Ohio ABLE - About ABLE (2025)

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple.
• Ohio does not add any state supplement to SSI, so these are the only amounts available from SSI.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but there is a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.

Source: SSA.gov - SSI Payments (2025), SSA.gov - SGA Limits (2025)

• If you receive too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment.
• You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you have an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

Source: SSA.gov - Overpayments (2025), Disability Rights Ohio - Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act (2025)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Ohio Benefits
  Phone: 1-844-640-6446

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For state assistance programs.
• Disability Rights Ohio
  Phone: 1-800-282-9181

  TTY: 1-800-666-6446

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For legal advocacy and payee oversight.

• Does Ohio give extra money to SSI recipients?

  No, Ohio does not provide any state cash supplement to SSI recipients. Ohioans receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple in 2025. Ohio focuses on other forms of support, such as Medicaid, food, and housing programs.

• How do I apply for SSI for a child with Down Syndrome?

  You can apply for SSI for a child with Down Syndrome online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of family income and resources.

• What services are available for adults with Down Syndrome in Ohio?

  Adults with Down Syndrome in Ohio can access services through County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid waivers, housing programs, food assistance, and legal advocacy. These services help with daily living, health, and independence.

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI in Ohio?

  Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI in Ohio. There are work incentives and programs that help you keep some benefits while working. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how do I get one in Ohio?

  A Medicaid waiver allows people with developmental disabilities to receive services in their homes or communities instead of institutions. You can apply for a waiver through your County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

• Are there legal resources for people with Down Syndrome in Ohio?